Why do banks charge fees for everything and how can I minimize them?

I've thought about this for years—fees are how banks extract value from people who have the least to give. They charge for checking accounts, overdrafts, transfers, even closing an account. It's designed to feel small each time, but it compounds into real money taken from your dignity. Here's what I've observed: banks profit most from people who can't afford to keep minimum balances or who live paycheck to paycheck. The solution isn't blaming yourself—it's understanding the system. Switch to credit unions or online banks with no monthly fees. Keep one account with enough buffer to avoid overdraft charges. If you must use a traditional bank, ask directly about fee waivers; many will grant them if you have a steady income or direct deposit. But the deeper question is this: why should accessing your own money cost you anything? A just system would make basic banking free. Until we get there, protect what's yours by knowing the rules before you play.